“Football’s Hidden Hero: The Scout Who Uncovered Ronaldo and Figo Leaves Behind a Legacy of Stardom”

Aurelio da Silva Pereira, a titan in the world of football scouting, has left us at the age of 77, leaving behind a legacy that few can rival. He wasn’t just a scout; he was the visionary who first glimpsed the brilliance of a young Cristiano Ronaldo playing for Nacional in Madeira, paving the way for a career that transformed not only the player but the landscape of football itself. Under his keen eye, Ronaldo moved to Sporting CP at just 12 years old, a pivotal moment that would lead to his meteoric rise to global superstardom with Manchester United and beyond. But Pereira’s influence stretched far beyond this singular talent. Throughout his illustrious career, he unearthed and nurtured countless stars, including icons like Luis Figo and Nani, gifting the footballing world with a multitude of exceptional players. As tributes pour in from those he touched, including heartfelt messages from Ronaldo himself, it’s apparent that Aurelio’s impact resonates deeply within the heart of the sport. As we reflect on his remarkable journey and contributions, it’s clear that his legacy will endure, inspiring future generations of scouts and players alike. To explore more about his influential life and the lives he changed, LEARN MORE.

Aurelio da Silva Pereira, the legendary scout responsible for identifying Cristiano Ronaldo’s talent in his early years, has sadly passed away.

Pereira first spotted Ronaldo while he was playing for Nacional in Madeira. At just 12 years old, Ronaldo was brought to Sporting by Pereira, where he quickly rose through the ranks before earning a transfer to Manchester United.

Pereira’s impact on Portuguese football stretches far beyond Ronaldo. During his time at Sporting, he played a major role in discovering numerous top talents including Luis Figo, Ricardo Quaresma, William Carvalho, Paulo Futre, Rui Patricio, and Nani.

Ronaldo took to social media platform X to honour the man who helped launch his professional career. Alongside a photo of the two together, he wrote: “One of the biggest symbols of world football has left us but his legacy will live on forever.

“I will never stop being grateful for everything he did for me and for many other players. Until forever, Mr Aurelio, thank you for everything. Rest in Peace.”

Sporting also issued an official statement commemorating Pereira’s long and impactful career as a scout.

“Sporting Clube de Portugal would like to express the condolences on the death of Aurelio da Silva Pereira, who passed away on Tuesday, aged 77.

Um dos grandes símbolos da formação mundial deixou-nos mas o seu legado viverá para sempre. Nunca deixarei de estar grato por tudo o que fez por mim e por tantos outros jogadores. Até sempre, Senhor Aurélio, obrigado por tudo. Descanse em paz. pic.twitter.com/8PvLE73id4

— Cristiano Ronaldo (@Cristiano) April 8, 2025

“Born on October 1, 1947, he joined Sporting CP to play football and later left to join Clube Futebol Benfica to become a coach.

“He returned to the club to coach the younger teams for around 20 years. In 1988, he created and became head of Recruitment and from then on, his story is more than well-known.

“He discovered many of the greatest national talents and brought them to Sporting, where they grew and thrived and later moved on to the biggest stages of world football.

“From Paulo Futre, to Luis Figo and Cristiano Ronaldo, but also the most younger talents, Aurelio Pereira is largely responsible for the careers of several national football figures over the last 40 years.

“He was a leader in his profession and a person everyone looked upon. He received two ‘Stromp’ awards and a ‘Golden Lion’ and in 2012, the club named Sporting’s academy and main training pitch after him.

“In 2016, he saw the Portugal national team win the European Championships in France where ten players were discovered by him. Their nickname was ‘The Aurelios.’ In 2017, he received the medal of ‘Sporting Merit’ by the city of Lisbon and in 2018, Uefa awarded him with the ‘Order of Merit’ award, for his unparalleled contribution to the development of Portuguese and European football.

“He will forever be remembered as one of the greatest names in the history of national football and, above all, in the history of Sporting Clube de Portugal. Sporting CP extends its deepest condolences to his family and friends, while also praising and thanking him for his years of effort, dedication, devotion, and the glory he brought while wearing the Lion on his chest.”